Auction 29 / Graphics & Books

tue 1 DECEMBER -  thu 3 DECEMBER 2020
Alberto Martini (Oderzo, 1876 - Milano, 1954) : Sorriso infernale. - Auction Graphics & Books - Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli - Casa d'Aste - Gonnelli Casa d'Aste
Lot 493

Alberto Martini (Oderzo, 1876 - Milano, 1954)

Sorriso infernale.

1919.
Pastel on cardboard. mm 69x49. Signed and dated at the bottom right. Labels of the exhibitions on the verso. Provenance: private collection. Exhibitions: Galleria Schwarz, Milano, n. 3334; Galleria d'Arte Cavalletto, Brescia, n. 1186; Galleria Civica di Modena; Galleria d'Arte Niccoli, Parma. Bibliography: Alberto Martini, catalogue of the exhibition, Parma, 1982, p. 21. A dynamic artist able to combine symbolist atmospheres, secessionist topics but also to anticipate what will be the readings of surrealist reality and supra-reality, Alberto Martini dedicates himself with passion to the technique of pastel and color research. And just the color seems to be the undisputed protagonist of Sorriso Infernale, in which the tones of blue and orange allow the artist to figuratively render the often antithetical combination that we feel daily between feeling and reason. Not only that: Martini explores another topic dear to him in our demonic figure: the grotesque made as a theatrical mask. In fact, many of his artistic researches are ascribable to the theatre itself, during which he creates illustrations and scenic apparatuses, up to the brilliant tetiteatro. Sorriso infernale is a peculiar work that contains the main essence of the thematic themes of Alberto Martini.

In gilded and blue frame: cm 92x72. Excellent conservation.
Base price
EUR 4.000,00
unsold